The OPTISMILE Podcast 34 – Teeth Whitening Tips and Advice
Podcast Summary: Save Your Money, Save Your Teeth – Episode 34: Teeth Whitening Tips and Advice
Hosted by Eon Engelbrecht with Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile
Episode Description:
In this final episode of the teeth whitening series, Dr Clifford Yudelman from OptiSmile shares expert advice on maintaining a white smile after treatment, the foods and drinks to avoid, and how to manage teeth sensitivity. He also covers natural remedies, the importance of regular dental hygiene, and what to expect from your first teeth whitening treatment. With over 40 years of dental expertise, Dr Yudelman offers practical and science-backed tips to help listeners achieve and maintain a brighter smile. This episode is perfect for anyone considering teeth whitening treatments and those looking for professional guidance on maintaining their results.
CHAPTERS
[0:05 – 0:52]
Introduction to Teeth Whitening Series Conclusion
Eon Engelbrecht welcomes listeners to the final episode of the teeth whitening series with Dr Clifford Yudelman, who introduces the focus of the episode on maintaining a bright smile and provides practical advice for aftercare.
[0:52 – 1:38]
Recap of Previous Episodes
Dr Yudelman summarises the earlier episodes in the series, including an overview of in-chair whitening, take-home whitening, and non-dental whitening treatments.
[1:38 – 6:46]
Best Practices for Maintaining White Teeth After Treatment
Dr Yudelman explains how to care for teeth post-treatment, highlighting foods to avoid, the use of take-home trays, and the importance of professional toothpastes and regular dental cleaning to maintain whitening results. He also discusses the use of touch-up treatments and how to prevent staining.
[6:47 – 9:00]
Foods and Drinks to Avoid After Whitening
Learn which foods and beverages are best to avoid in order to keep your teeth white after treatment, including tea, red wine, and acidic juices. Dr Yudelman also discusses the effect of smoking on dental health.
[9:06 – 12:02]
How Often Should You Do Touch-Ups?
Dr Yudelman provides guidance on the frequency of touch-up treatments and explains how take-home whitening trays are the best option for long-term maintenance.
[12:10 – 16:47]
Natural Remedies for Teeth Whitening
Dr Yudelman discusses the efficacy of natural remedies such as baking soda, oil pulling with coconut oil, and eating crunchy fruits like apples. He emphasises that while natural methods may have mild benefits, they should not replace professional dental care.
[16:48 – 18:40]
Minimising Sensitivity During and After Whitening
For listeners who experience sensitivity, Dr Yudelman explains how to use desensitising toothpaste and take precautions during whitening treatments. He shares insights into products like Ultra Ease and how to prevent ‘zingers’ from in-chair whitening treatments.
[18:41 – 19:55]
Does Using a Straw Prevent Staining?
Dr Yudelman debunks the myth that using a straw can prevent staining, offering more practical solutions such as rinsing with water after consuming stain-causing foods or drinks.
[20:08 – 22:26]
The Impact of Regular Dental Hygiene on Whitening Results
The importance of daily brushing, flossing, and regular dental cleanings is emphasised, as these habits help prolong the effects of teeth whitening and keep your smile bright. Dr Yudelman also mentions the potential impact of mouthwashes on oral health.
[22:34 – 24:40]
Specific Products to Maintain Whiteness Between Treatments
Dr Yudelman gives advice on various whitening strips, pens, and professional gels. He stresses that custom-made take-home trays are the most effective way to maintain whiteness over time.
[24:50 – 29:30]
Advice for First-Time Teeth Whitening Patients
Dr Yudelman highlights the importance of proper dental consultation before undergoing any whitening treatment. He explains the potential issues with crowns or veneers and sets realistic expectations for whitening results. He also warns against non-dental treatments and DIY viral trends seen on social media.
[29:30 – 31:13]
Conclusion and Teasers for Future Episodes
Eon Engelbrecht wraps up the episode, thanking Dr Yudelman and teasing upcoming podcast topics on dental treatments such as crown lengthening and gum grafts.
Key Takeaways:
- Maintain your white smile by avoiding staining foods and drinks in the first 24 hours post-whitening.
- Touch-up treatments with take-home trays are a great way to keep your teeth bright without needing frequent in-chair treatments.
- Be cautious of non-dental treatments and viral whitening trends.
- Consult a dentist before undergoing any whitening to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the treatment.
TRANSCRIPT:
[Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile] (0:05 – 0:52)
Welcome to Save Your Money, Save Your Teeth, the go-to podcast here on eRadio where curiosity meets dentistry straight from the experts. I’m Eon Engelbrecht from E-Radio, and every week, I’m chatting to Dr Clifford Yudelman from OptiSmile. We take a deep dive into the world of dental care from a consumer’s perspective.
So, if you’re looking to brighten that smile or protect your wallet, we’ve got you covered with practical advice and the latest insights. Stick around as we uncover the secrets to maintaining both your dental health and your finances. Today is the final episode in the teeth whitening series, and Dr Yudelman joins us with some excellent advice.
Dr Yudelman, welcome back.
[Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile] (0:52 – 1:38)
Thanks, Eon, I hope you had a great week, and thanks for having me back. And yes, as you said, today we’ll be wrapping up our series on teeth whitening. For those who haven’t listened to the previous episodes, we started with an overview, then discussed in-chair whitening at the dentist, followed by a whole episode on take-home whitening treatments.
Last week, we covered non-dental whitening treatments, such as those offered at beauty salons or online products. Today, to wrap things up, I’ll share some final tips and advice, including aspects we may not have covered yet.
So, let’s fire away. I know you’ve got around 9 or 10 questions, as usual, so I’m ready!
[Eon Engelbrecht E-Radio] (1:38 – 1:45)
Yes, Doctor. So, what are the best practices for maintaining a white smile after treatment?
[Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile] (1:46 – 6:46)
When you talk about maintaining your smile after treatment, if you’ve had in-chair teeth whitening at the dentist, we generally recommend avoiding staining foods like tea, coffee, red wine, and curry for the first 24 hours. Interestingly, I’m part of a teeth-whitening WhatsApp group with professionals from 15 countries, and just yesterday, someone shared an article that suggested this might not be necessary – though I haven’t read it yet, so don’t quote me!
But typically, I advise patients to avoid these foods because that’s what the manufacturers recommend.
If you’ve been given take-home trays, as we do at OptiSmile, using them from the next day onwards should help, even if you slip up and consume something that could restain your teeth. We give our patients 7.5% or 9.5% hydrogen peroxide, which helps keep things in check.
A few weeks or even a month after treatment, it’s important to use special toothpastes recommended by your dentist. We offer several types here at OptiSmile, which are professional-grade and non-abrasive, to help maintain whitening. Regular dental cleaning is also key.
Many people who seek whitening treatments have accumulated tartar and staining. Cleaning every six months is common advice, but for some patients, every three or four months might be better, especially if they drink things like black tea, Americanos, or strong espressos that can lead to surface staining.
It’s important to note that teeth whitening addresses internal discolouration, not surface stains – those are two different things. Staying hydrated and having good saliva flow also helps keep surface stains at bay, particularly for mouth breathers.
And then, there’s the option for touch-up treatments. Some dentists might suggest coming back every two or three months for an in-chair touch-up. But at OptiSmile, we prefer to offer patients take-home trays so they can do touch-ups at home. These trays last for years if well-made, and you can do unlimited touch-ups for events like reunions or weddings by simply wearing the trays for a few days beforehand.
It’s worth noting that we don’t sell strong whitening gels over the counter without a dental professional first examining your teeth. It’s crucial to use these products correctly to avoid causing harm, such as gum burns from improper use of hydrogen peroxide.
[Eon Engelbrecht E-Radio] (6:47 – 6:52)
What foods and drinks should be avoided to keep your teeth white?
[Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile] (6:53 – 9:00)
After in-chair whitening and take-home trays, I tell people to enjoy life. Drink your coffee, drink your red wine – although I don’t recommend colas because they can erode teeth, even if they’re sugar-free.
That said, we do see some patients who regularly drink heavy red wines and their teeth turn purple, but they’re happy with it and just keep doing touch-ups as needed.
Juices, particularly citrus-based ones, can erode enamel and make your teeth prone to discolouration. Foods like berries, curry, and tomato sauce can also stain teeth. But smoking, especially cigars, is the worst thing for your teeth. We’ve discussed this before, but I often refer patients for hypnotherapy in Hout Bay to quit smoking.
Some people suggest drinking through a straw to avoid staining, but honestly, who’s going to drink coffee or red wine with a straw? I’d suggest just doing touch-ups as needed and enjoying your life.
[Eon Engelbrecht E-Radio] (9:01 – 9:06)
How often should someone come for touch-ups, Dr Yudelman?
[Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile] (9:06 – 12:02)
Touch-ups depend on your habits. If you smoke or drink a lot of coffee, you might need to polish your teeth more often. Whitening won’t remove physical stains; that’s where a dental cleaning comes in.
We offer take-home trays for touch-ups because they’re more effective long-term. Some patients come back for in-chair treatments once a year, but ideally, take-home trays are the way to go. You can do touch-ups whenever you need them.
[Eon Engelbrecht E-Radio] (12:02 – 12:09)
Any natural remedies, doctor?
[Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile] (12:10 – 16:47)
There are a few natural remedies, like baking soda or oil pulling with coconut oil, but I’m not a huge fan. Baking soda can be useful occasionally, but don’t overdo it. It’s not going to remove tartar.
Eating crunchy fruits like apples or celery helps clean teeth naturally. Rinsing with water after meals also helps. But natural remedies aren’t a substitute for professional treatments.
[Eon Engelbrecht E-Radio] (16:48 – 16:55)
How can you minimise sensitivity during and after whitening treatments?
[Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile] (16:56 – 18:40)
For sensitivity, using desensitising toothpaste before and after treatment is essential. We’re always careful to protect the gums and any exposed root surfaces. For patients with sensitive teeth, we sometimes recommend only take-home whitening.
We also offer special gels like Ultra Ease to help. Sensitivity is usually mild and manageable. But if you do experience ‘zingers’ – sharp pains from certain products like Zoom – it’s best to prevent them in the first place by not overdoing the treatment.
[Eon Engelbrecht E-Radio] (18:41 – 18:47)
Does using a straw really help prevent staining, or is that just a myth?
[Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile] (18:49 – 19:55)
Theoretically, using a straw could help prevent staining, but it’s a bit impractical. Who’s going to drink wine or coffee through a straw? I recommend rinsing with water after drinking these beverages instead.
[Eon Engelbrecht E-Radio] (19:56 – 20:07)
How does regular dental hygiene impact the longevity of whitening results?
[Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile] (20:08 – 22:26)
Good oral hygiene is key to maintaining whitening results. Brushing, flossing, and regular cleanings help remove plaque that can dull your smile. Take-home whitening kits have also been shown to reduce plaque and promote gum health.
[Eon Engelbrecht E-Radio] (22:28 – 22:33)
Any specific products that can help maintain whiteness between treatments?
[Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile] (22:34 – 24:40)
There are whitening strips and pens, but I’m not a huge fan. They can cause sensitivity and don’t work as well as custom-made trays. For maintaining whiteness, I recommend take-home trays with gel from your dentist.
[Eon Engelbrecht E-Radio] (24:41 – 24:50)
What advice would you give to someone considering their first teeth whitening treatment?
[Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile] (24:51 – 29:30)
Always start with a dental consultation. Whitening treatments should be personalised, especially if you have crowns or veneers that won’t whiten. Set realistic expectations—your teeth will
never go unnaturally white, but they will significantly brighten. You’re not going to end up with teeth that glow in the dark like Ross from Friends!
We often get patients worried about over-whitening, but in reality, it’s more common to see veneers or other cosmetic treatments that look unnatural. Teeth whitening always maintains a natural look.
Be prepared for some mild sensitivity, especially if it’s your first whitening. It shouldn’t be severe, but it’s something to expect. Maintenance is key, as whitening isn’t permanent. Following up with touch-ups will keep your smile bright, and I always recommend take-home trays for this.
And please, avoid non-dental treatments and those viral TikTok hacks. Your dentist or hygienist is the best person to guide you on the safest, most effective options. After listening to all five of these podcasts, I hope you now feel confident in making a decision about whitening!
As I’ve mentioned before, we also did an episode on the psychological benefits of a whiter smile. People feel more confident with clean, healthy, white teeth, and it can truly boost self-esteem. Even if you can’t afford treatments like Invisalign or braces right away, simply whitening your teeth can make a huge difference in how you feel. For the price, it’s one of the best cosmetic treatments you can get.
[Eon Engelbrecht E-Radio] (29:30 – 29:39)
Thank you so much, Dr Yudelman, for your expertise and your time. We really appreciate it. This was very, very interesting indeed.
[Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile] (29:40 – 29:55)
My pleasure. And as usual, next week will be a big surprise, mainly because not only do you not know what it is, but I haven’t decided yet! I’ve got so many great topics lined up.
[Eon Engelbrecht E-Radio] (29:56 – 30:34)
I’m sure you’ll surprise yourself, Doctor!
We’ll be looking forward to it. Thank you again, and also a big thanks to our listeners. As always, while we strive to provide valuable insights, remember to consult your own dental professional for advice tailored to your individual needs.
Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast for more enlightening discussions, and join us next time as we continue exploring the fascinating intersection of dental health and financial savvy with Dr Clifford Yudelman from OptiSmile. Until then, keep smiling and take great care of your teeth.
[Dr Clifford Yudelman – OptiSmile] (31:30 – 32:14)
Discover the world of dental excellence with OptiSmile. Join us weekly for expert dental advice from Dr Clifford Yudelman, a seasoned dentist with 40 years of experience across four continents. Visit OptiSmile.co.za for articles that illuminate the path to optimal oral health. If you’re seeking unparalleled dental care in Cape Town, get in touch with OptiSmile or book directly online at OptiSmile.co.za. OptiSmile—where global expertise meets local care.
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Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast, “Save Your Money Save Your Teeth” on Medical Mondays, is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to serve as dental or medical advice. The insights and opinions expressed by Dr. Clifford Yudelman and any guests are designed to foster a better understanding of dental health, preventive measures, and general well-being, but should not be interpreted as professional dental or medical recommendations. Dr. Clifford Yudelman does not diagnose, treat, or offer prevention strategies for any health conditions directly through this podcast. This platform is not a substitute for the personalized care and advice provided by a licensed dental or healthcare professional. We strongly encourage our listeners to consult with their own dental care providers to address individual dental health needs and concerns. The information shared here aims to empower listeners with knowledge about dental health but must not be used as a basis for making health-related decisions without professional guidance. Your dental care provider is the best source of advice about your dental and overall health. Please always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified health professionals regarding any questions or concerns about your dental health.